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Ciao House (2023)
NOPE!
This is coming from a person who enjoys most of The Food Networks food competitions and their spinoffs.
The setting for this show, the hosts and most of the competitors were enjoyable (those each get a star) but the execution was awful!!! I knew it was doomed (for me) as soon as the chefs were forced into teams immediately after the initial cook. That is the most UNFAIR way to judge an individual's ability, especially in the kitchen.
They're not competing to be in a kitchen as a team, so why would they be judged as a team?? They're competing to be the last chef standing as the sole winner! Then, to make things worse, the hosts require that the losing team vote out one of their team members! So, on S1 E5 - jealousy and spite - are the reason the best chef was forced to leave the competition. They can literally gang-up on a team member and eliminate them for all the wrong reasons. Horrible.
The show is a farce. It isn't about watching the best chef win, it's about rewarding bad behavior. After S1, E5 - I'm done.
Billions (2016)
Reluctantly fell in Love with it.
The opening scenes caused me to swear it off, as Chuck's fetish wasn't even remotely interesting to me. Plus, I find it offensive (in general) when producers think they must appeal to EVERYONE - so they reach too far - thus turning away a large viewer base. So, I turned it off for several years, but the impact of the writer's strike gave me notion to give it another chance and I'm genuinely glad I did!
Once the storyline got hold of me, I was hooked and I realized I should simply fast-forward through certain scenes (including Taylor's nude scene) which also didn't add to the story for me.
The buying-in of the "woke" bs was ridiculous too. Okay, I get that todays youth wants to make their mark - just as every generation does - but for EVERYONE to concede to referring to her as "they, them, theirs" was asinine and unrealistic. Especially when the only clarification needed was whether or not she was actually female.
I see large corporations allowing their young employees add personal pronouns of choice to their email signatures. It doesn't scream inclusion. It's simply unprofessional. It's an embarrassment to mankind. And I know today's youth blames my point of view as a reluctance to accept change - and they're entitled to their opinion and will someday learn - but one thing that NEVER changes is, children need guidance.
Lewis' personal tragedy had a sad impact on the series, and I'm so glad they were able to work around it and bring him back. Axe was sorely missed! And, as evident as the sexual tension was between he and Wendy, I thought their relationship was tastefully managed. It had a lovely conclusion and I never wanted to see her leave the family unit.
Overall - a VERY entertaining series - rated up there with Donovan. FANTASTIC CASTING!! GREAT WRITING! Well done Showtime! I look forward to the spinoffs!
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)
BRILLIANT!
Shonda's best work yet!
I was hesitant to tune-in because of the way Netflix is promoting it...like a Bridgerton S1 2-point-O. Thankfully, it's so much more than what they portrayed.
It's a deeply beautiful story about love, devotion and loyalty. It skillfully bridges the gap between past and present generations at the Ton and brings depth to many of the the already lovable characters. The writing is superb.
Hats off to the casting crew, wow! How many failed attempts have we seen on-screen, where young actors are poorly matched as their aged counterparts in a progressive story? The Notebook is a blatant example with Ryan Gosling playing a young version of James Garner. Major fail, imo.
This perfectly short-but-sweet series is well worth watching!
Your Honor (2020)
The finale was a major fail!
We're expected to believe that Michael suddenly had nothing to live for and decided to throw away his new life with his grandson, because he was compelled to tell the truth and offer unnecessary testimony?? Such bull. He had done enough good in his courtroom over the years to outweigh his mistakes.
Oh, and Sofie gave up her child, then the priest hands over the baby to a pair of strangers as if this is 1923 instead of 2023?! Stupid!!
This was such a great series and I was thrilled to learn of the 2nd season, but the finale ruined it for me. What a sorry excuse of an ending. I really hate it when the writers/producers simply give up and don't give a great series an ending it deserves.
And there's no such thing as spoilers once the series has ended. Anyone silly enough to read reviews and expect not to learn what the show is about, is simply a fool. And WHY must IMDB feel the need to protect them?!
Succession (2018)
S4 E3...
...sure hope this is a ploy, otherwise I'm highly disappointed! I nearly swore off the remainder of the season because of this episode, but I'll probably watch.
Excellent casting & acting - I've followed Succession from the beginning. But I gotta say, it's sometimes really painful watching & waiting for some of them to complete a full sentence. Ya gotta assume they're all educated people, by my gawd, the dialect is hideous at times!
I wanna see the ol' bugger win. And, yeah, his character is a real turd most of the time, but he does love his kids. And being a grandmother myself, I wonder where the hell these "kids" get off behaving as if pops owes them something!? What have ANY of them actually done to deserve their expectations?! Amazing. I always hated the freak-show behavior between Gerri & Roman. SO glad that ended!!
I HOPE IT GETS BETTER!!!
Religulous (2008)
Bill Does Comedy.
After briefly glancing at the ratings, I see too much seriousness. Those who expected BM to do an in-depth reality documentary on religion, belong in the group he's poking fun at. He's a comedian, get real.
I found it entertaining & I LMAO at times, but I also saw the awkwardness (& sadness) behind the opinions of some he interviewed. For me, the most interesting common denominator among all die-hard believers is; they have an excuse for everything & claim God is behind it all. They'll keep moving the goal post when things goes wrong - then settle for less. There's far too many man-made religions in the world to defiantly say only one is proper & I honestly can't follow any of them closely as it leads to depression.
I do believe in a higher power, but I won't give it an idol or a symbol. I also believe in the power of prayer. Maybe God is simply a collective soul from everyone we've lost or maybe they're angels watching over us? Energy cannot be destroyed, it must be transferred. Where the energy of the living goes is my biggest mystery.
The fact that none of us really know the answers about God and death is as real as it gets & I appreciated Bill's take on it all. It's probably the weed that inspires his deep thought, but I'll keep watching his productions. 🤣
1883 (2021)
Tragically beautiful.
Loved it. The story, casting, acting, filming & scenery were top notch. Very well done & I think it has something for everybody. There was a lot of sadness, but thankfully, the beauty & hope outweighed it all.
It was unfortunate to see the end play out to many of the characters, but it was integral to the storyline. I'm no historian, but I'm guessing 1883 is a good representation of early American immigrant life. It also shows just how fortunate we are today with the expertise of modern medicine.
I've read clues about a 2nd season, but even without one, this story is complete & ties in perfectly with Yellowstone.
House of the Dragon (2022)
I'm wanting to love it, but so far I don't...not like I did GOT.
I'm underwhelmed with the visuals & the toned-down violence.
The story sorta pulls you in, but not the imagery. I'm really disappointed in the lack of quality imagery. Most of the outdoor scenes resemble a nuclear winter, especially by the ocean...as if 172 years pre-GOT there were no clear sky's, only fog. Is the budget not accommodating great scenery or real landscapes?? I find it annoying.
In GOT, S1, Ep1, from the moment it opens, it grabs you...the dialog is non-existent, but the visuals are clear and inviting. The scenery is crisp. It feels real...as if I could be there, witnessing.
Plus, HOD has toned down the violence. Every violent scene this season shows the tail end of the event, or it's viewed from a distance. Is this to appease the "woke idiots"??
Give us what we want!
The Crown (2016)
What were they thinking?!?
How could casting get it SO WRONG? To change actors midstream was ridiculous! Not to mention using those who played a part as a different character in the 1st half of the series. Major fail.
In 2016, there's simply no excuse to not take advantage of the advancements in stage makeup techniques, and age actors in a believable way. Claire Foy was a superb Queen, and I simply had no interest in learning what other characters has been butchered.
I stopped watching at the end of season 2. What a shame, because I really enjoyed it. I may have been able to wrap my mind around the changes, but I was simply too annoyed to give them my rating, and they're undeserving of my time.
The Gilded Age (2022)
Loving it more as the series continues!
The writing is superb and the casting is perfect. I expect the storylines and dialogue are as close to the time period as possible.
I'm continuously amazed to see how much emphasis was placed on societal status and community stature by the early Americans. One would think they'd have chosen to break away from the pretentiousness created by a monarchy they freed themselves from. Still, I know to some extent, snobbishness still exists today.
I'm not pleased that the two black male characters have major flaws; one is a cheater and the other a baby snatcher. Really? And Peggy shouldn't be forced to leave the paper, but I'm sure something wonderful is in her future and no doubt a great love too.
What's up with the green dress and the weird bodice ribs that Mrs. Scott is always seen in?! Surely they can afford her a full wardrobe! And covering it up with a gray housecoat doesn't conceal the fact that she's still wearing that same fugly green dress in every scene. Speaking of dresses...most of the time Marian looks great, but sometimes she shows up in a ghastly outfit that looks as if a 12 year old made it in home ec!
The story of the cast-off shoes was an unnecessary disappointment and poorly done. Pitiful display of power from production that seems to reflect today's issues more than anything. I get Marian's naïveté - but considering her humble beginnings - it probably wasn't uncommon for her to share hand-me-downs among friends. I understand how the Scotts would be offended by the gesture, but their anger was over-the-top, their treatment of Marion was ungracious and for Peggy to scold her in the street was ridiculous.
I'm so glad Marian has found her true love!
I love the Russells! Yay for Borden and Bruce...but why is she a Mrs.? Maybe Church and Miss Andre will connect?
I'm thrilled for Ada...she should hire her own ladies maid now. WTG John and Watson!! Hope the McNeils and Collier roles continue. Love Agnes' character!
I hope The Raikes make another appearance down the road once Marian and Larry get settled. Tom will undoubtedly tire of that Munchkin voice. LOL!
Mamie is a riot!
I've watched the series several times and find subtle nuances every time I do. I look forward to season three and I hope all the regulars continue!
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
What's Not to Love?
Pitt & DiCaprio? Yes, bring it!! I LOVE seeing Pitt's humor in his roles. Their synergy was amazing.
I honestly had no idea - going in - what the movie was about, which is probably for the best, because I clearly remember the Tate-LaBianca massacres. Even with this twist that was cleverly implemented - simply knowing there was THAT connection - probably would've prevented me from buying a ticket. But, BECAUSE of the twist, the memory of that awful step in time has been flipped into a playful win for the good guys!
In true Tarantino form, it was odd & interesting, & drew me in immediately. The dirty bare feet can go though & all the smoking damn near choked me out just watching! Haha!
It's so difficult to for people to grasp the hazards of smoking, but after watching a person die from COPD & hearing him wish he'd quit the habit while he was young, makes my heart go out to those who struggle. It's a nasty way to die. Bodies are not exhaust pipes!
The Gentlemen (2019)
Pure entertainment pleasure!
LOVED IT! Gritty & funny. I'll watch anything McConaughey 💚 & Hunnam is always a delight. The humor was an excellent surprise...the entire cinema was cracking up. What a blast!
Ritchie's talent was in expert form & casting was superb.
Rarely do I wish to watch a movie again, but this is one. I highly recommend!
Just Mercy (2019)
Great movie!
I had no idea this movie was based on real people, as I prefer to learn about the story after I watch, and the true life experiences deepened the experience for me.
The acting was notably superb. Foxx & Jordan were amazing. Excellent movie!
1917 (2019)
Excellent
I always enjoy a good war movie & 1917 delivered! It was intense. It served the human factor & emotion well. Great acting, costumes & sets.
Frozen II (2019)
Enchanting
Sweet sequel. The animation is fantastic! .
Uncut Gems (2019)
Overall, I enjoyed the movie & there were some riveting scenes.
I truly appreciated Sandler in this role & would like to see more from him, as I think he's outgrown the silly satire. I felt for his character....he's a genuinely good guy -ruled by his emotions, so he pays the price over & over again because of it.
The camera directing bugged the heck out of me though!! Nearly every scene was an extreme closeup, as if I was sitting in the front row at a movie theater. So I was constantly wanted them to visually back off.
Bombshell (2019)
Walked out feeling proud to be a woman!
This was a raw look into the emotions that accompany sexual harassment. The actors did a great job & Theron was excellent as Kelly. Worth it!
21 Bridges (2019)
Very good, not great.
Bozeman was excellent. I thought the title was misleading....as for me, it implied the technicalities & challenges of closing the down the main arteries of Manhattan, but that simply referred to one of the LE tactics for catching the perps.
Overall - excellent storyline & casting, but this is a movie I would've waited for cable to watch.
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
EXHILARATING!!!
WHAT A GREAT MOVIE!!! This is what movie theaters were made for! It grabs on & holds you until the very end. Bale & Damon are fantastic together. The sound effects engulf you. I was laughing & crying....it has something for everybody.
Last Christmas (2019)
A true "feel good" movie.
It brought me to tears more than a couple of times & the climax caught me completely off guard. What a lovely movie! Very well done.
Harriet (2019)
Excellent!
I've been fascinated with HT since grade school, when I earned a District Blue Ribbon for my biography on her and the Underground Railroad. I had to see this film! The writing, directing & acting was superb. The storyline pulled me in & held on to me until the end. Well done.
Joker (2019)
Good, not great. Very sad.
JP's acting was superb, but it was overrated. Many of the scenes dragged on too long. Thankfully there was far less gore & violence than implied by advertising. Just goes to show...one can't believe all the hype.
Downton Abbey (2010)
Great Series!
I was late to jump on the DA fan train. I finally watched the series in it's entirety, & just happened to finish it the week before the movie was announced for release. The timing was perfect, so I couldn't wait to watch it on the big screen too! It was the perfect way to complete the series! PBS outdid themselves with this one! The writing, acting & costumes were superb! Loved the characters. Thank you!
Downton Abbey (2019)
Great finale for the series!
I loved it! I was late to jump on the DA fan train. I finally watched the series in it's entirety, just happened to finish it the week before the movie was announced for release. The timing was perfect, so I couldn't wait to watch it on the big screen! It was the perfect way to complete the series!
Western Stars (2019)
LOVED IT!
The very 1st song brought tears of joy - I was so moved! I loved the relatable, heartfelt stories & history of the barn. What a great compilation. I can't remember ever leaving the movies with such an overwhelming feeling of inspiration, like I felt today. Thanks ladies & gentlemen! And thank you Bruce for all the music you've blessed us with over the years. I've been a fan since the beginning, but you've truly found your calling with this style of music. Wow.